iPad at Work: iPad Rules the Skies for United, British Airways & Others

The saying used to be ‘Britannia rules the waves’ – maybe it should now be ‘iPad rules the skies’.

Just in the last week or so there are reports out detailing:

— United Airlines’ plans to deploy 11,000 iPads to all pilots at United and Continental. United views the ‘paperless flight deck’ as ‘the next generation of flying’ and plans to kit out the iPads with flight charts, equipment manuals and more so they serve as an electronic flight bag. (Source: United Airlines via TNW)

— British Airways is rolling out iPads to enhance customer service on their flights:

British Airways cabin crew are using the latest iPad model to bring a new dimension to customer service in the air.

The iPads enable cabin crew to have prior awareness of customer preferences and a greater understanding of each customer’s previous travel arrangements, allowing them to offer a truly bespoke, personalised service.

Source: British Airways via Macgasm

— Delta has started testing iPads as electronic flight bags as well.

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and others have been using iPads to replace printed manuals and the FAA has authorized the use of iPads as electronic flight bags.

I think the way the iPad is being used by airlines is a perfect example of the broad appeal and versatility of the device – as it’s being used from the cabin right through to the cockpit.

iPad rules the skies – yeah, that’s got a nice ring to it.